History made: Union Berlin appoint first-ever female coach in Bundesliga

Union Berlin have made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as their interim head coach, making her the first woman to lead a men’s team in Bundesliga history.

The 34-year-old replaces Steffen Baumgart, who was sacked following a 3-1 defeat to Heidenheim. With just five games remaining, Eta has been handed the task of securing Union Berlin’s top-flight status in what is shaping up to be a tense end to the season.

“I’m delighted that Marie-Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before she becomes head coach of the women’s first team as planned in the summer,” sporting director Horst Heldt said.

“We’ve had a completely disappointing second half of the season so far and we’re not letting the table fool us. Our situation remains precarious and we desperately need points to secure our place in the league,” he added.

Heldt also made it clear that the decision to part ways with Baumgart was driven by results and performances, with the club managing just two wins in 14 games since the winter break.

“Two wins out of 14 games since the winter break and the performances shown in recent weeks do not give us the confidence that we can turn things around with the current setup. We have therefore decided to make a fresh start,” he said.

Eta’s appointment is another landmark in her already trailblazing journey. She had previously become the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga and across Europe’s top five leagues in 2023, and had also stepped in for media duties during Nenad Bjelica’s suspension in 2024.

Despite initially being set to take charge of Union’s women’s team next season, the club has fast-tracked her into the spotlight during a critical phase. Union currently sit 11th in the table, just seven points above the relegation zone, with St. Pauli lurking below.

HOW UNION BERLIN CAME TO HIRING MARIE-LOUISE ETA

Union Berlin’s decision did not come out of nowhere. The club has been struggling for consistency since the second half of the season began, with results failing to match expectations.

The loss to Heidenheim proved to be the tipping point. Despite being comfortably placed in mid-table, the club hierarchy felt performances were heading in the wrong direction and opted for a change before the situation worsened.

Eta, who had been working closely within the club setup with the Under-19 men’s team, was seen as someone who understood the system and could step in immediately without needing time to adjust.

With five games left and survival still not guaranteed, the move reflects both urgency and belief. For Eta, it is a historic opportunity. For Union Berlin, it is a gamble taken at a moment where results matter more than ever.